It was my first visit to The Ivy St Helen’s Square, in fact it was my first visit to any of The Ivy restaurants, I can’t believe that I haven’t been before!
Words by Rachel McAlley
Not only is the location perfect, bang in the centre of York and just a few minutes walk from the famous York Minster. But, the staff were welcoming, the venue beautiful with seasonal blooms and pretty décor, and the food was simply divine.
The Venue
I was invited to try the new autumn menu, which had plenty to choose from including old favourites and new dishes for the season. Firstly, my guest opted for an Asian starter of Tempura Prawns (£10.95) served with Yuzu pickled mooli and kohlrabi with sesame seeds and kimchi sauce. I went for a more European dish of Laverstoke Park Farm Buffalo Mozzarella (£9.25) with San Marzanino tomatoes, sun-dried peppers, black olives, green pesto, and pine nuts. The mozzarella was the nicest buffalo mozzarella cheese I have ever tasted. And, with the fresh tomatoes being so ripe I could have easily been dining on the continent.
The Food
Tempura Prawns 
Buffalo Mozzarella 
Duck Curry 
Tuna Steak
Secondly, our main courses included Aromatic Duck Curry (£17.95) in a coconut-based Keralan sauce with chilli, choy sum, sweet potato, and jasmine rice. This was a hearty dish full of flavour and delicately fragranced. I chose the Yellowfin Tuna (£19.95) from the Market Specials, which was a perfectly pink grilled tuna steak with a mango and chilli salsa. Simple yet truly delicious! We also ordered a side dish of Sprouting Broccoli, lemon oil and sea salt (£4.50). This dish could easily serve two, and it was the perfect addition to the tuna.
As it was lunchtime and we both had to drive back to our offices we decided to have a mocktail each. Thirdly, my guest went for an Elderflower Garden (£5.95). It consisted of Seedlip Garden 108, Æcorn dry non-alcoholic aperitif, elderflower cordial and Fever-Tree Elderflower Tonic with cucumber ribbon and edible flowers. In actual fact, this drink was super refreshing and extremely sophisticated in a grown-up cordial kind-of-way! I sipped a Movie Star Martini (£5.50). This was made with pineapple juice, lime-juice, fresh passion fruit, and passion fruit syrup. Not forgetting a shot of Fever-Tree White Grape & Apricot Soda on the side! Honestly, this was the perfect non-alcoholic drink, which tasted just as good as its alcohol-filled cousin.
If you want wholesome, fresh, contemporary food served in beautifully dressed surroundings then The Ivy is for you. Moreover, the new autumn menu will run for the season, so book a table and enjoy everything the restaurant offers.
Visit The Ivy for more information, menus, and details of how to book.
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